Crafting with Kids

There are many benefits of crafting. This is true for both adults and children.
And when one can combine the both, then you have a winning formula for quality family time.

Some parents are skilled crafters. Others are doing well to cut paper in a
reasonably straight line. No matter which group you fall into, crafting with your kids can be beneficial for the
whole family.

Crafting with your children can be fun for
the entire family to be creative
and enjoy some quality time together. (Image by
Pixabay.com)

Benefits of Doing Crafts with Kids

Few things bring families together likearts and crafts. It's
both fun and creative. Here are some of the good things that come out of crafting with your kids.

»
Crafting builds creativity

Developing children's minds need a creative outlet, and crafting provides the
opportunity for kids to use their imaginations. It helps them learn to solve problems, and it could lay the
groundwork for a lifetime of interest in art. For parents, getting creative can help reduce stress and promote
using the brain in ways that we don't have a reason to use it every day.

» Crafting teaches kids to follow directions

This seems like a very basic skill, but we all know adults who can't seem to
follow directions. Whenkids
craft, they learn the consequences of not following directions when their
projects do not turn out as expected. This instills in them the importance of doing things the right way the first
time.

» Kids learn basic skills with crafting

For young children, crafting is fabulous for learning basic skills. Almost any
type of craft promotes hand-eye coordination. Kids can also learn to use scissors, measure and do lots of other
things they will eventually do in everyday life.

» Crafting can improve family communications

Talk about quality family time - through crafting, parents and children have a
chance to talk. In our busy lives, it seems that we know less about our kids than previous generations of parents
did. Passive activities such as watching TV, or even surfing the internet, do little to encourage conversation. But
when you're crafting together, talking comes naturally. As parent, you can seize the opportunity to discuss such
things as your child's interests, his concerns, and how he's doing in school.

» Wind down with crafting

Crafting is a great way to wind down in our fast-moving world, both for parents
and kids. It's wonderful for kids to be active, but there are times when they need to calm down. If you find your
child getting agitated or exhibiting an overabundance of energy near bedtime, try bringing out the craft supplies.
Crafting engages kids' minds, giving them something to focus on and a good reason to sit still for a
while.

In addition to
helping your children be creative, crafting will also teach them
the skill of being focused. (Image by
Pixabay.com)

» Crafting is a confidence booster

Creating things is a confidence booster. Parents who craft regularly know the
feeling of accomplishment when a project is complete. Multiply this feeling by ten, and you have a pretty good idea
of how your child feels when he makes something. For kids, crafting can help build positive self-esteem and
confidence.

» Crafting teaches kids teamwork

Working on a project together is a great way to teach your kids teamwork. This
will help them develop skills needed to resolve disputes peacefully and effectively. It will also help them
discover their strengths and teach them that doing their best will make the entire project turn out
better.

» Great family time together

Crafting with kids creates treasured family memories. The finished product will
serve as a reminder of the fun you had making it together. These memories and family togetherness will become
valuable emotional treasures for both kids and parents. This particularly true if you make
funcrafts for
holidays, such Thanksgiving andChristmas crafts.

Crafting as a family provides opportunities for us to interact with our children.
It is also a valuable learning experience for them. Don't worry if you aren't the world's greatest crafter. Simply
being willing to try anyway is a lesson to your kids in itself. All the other benefits of crafting with kids will
manifest themselves in due course.